A Quadrant Format for Research on Feminist Activists and Philosophers The quadrant format provides a framework to develop, organize and write a research paper. The four quadrants are: biography, context, analysis, and reflection regarding a women’s rights activist or feminist philosopher, male or female, and past or present. 1. BIOGRAPHY: The biographical study emphasizes the activist/philosopher’s life and greatly enriches the understanding of his/her work. It is a chronology of the philosopher’s development Research questions Full name Birth and death dates Education, formal or informal Significant Relationships? What events, incidents or challenges had a positive or negative effect upon this individual? CONTEXT: The contextual study emphasizes the individual’s social context; the time and place of the person. It is an approach that examines how the person’s life and work reflects feminist issues regarding culture, ethnicity, religion and society. Research questions What prevailing ideas and beliefs were either rejected and/or embodied in the individual’s body of work? What kind of gender, religious, socioeconomic, political, and nationalistic and forces shaped this individual’s character? What significant historical events, if any, had an effect upon her work? If her work was challenged or opposed: By whom? Why and when? ANALYSIS: The quadrant explores philosophy as a tool of inquiry that involves analysis, interpretation, synthesis and narrative. Research is a thinking, reflective, stylistic, and textual process. Considerations What did you find represents the individual’s central idea or issue? Are such views liberal, moderate, or radical? Does the individual speak to women of color? Asian, Hispanic, lesbian. Etc.? Was it difficult for the individual’s social circles or society to accept? Why or why not? REFLECTION: You’re conclusion. Considerations What meaning does the individual’s ideas/work have for you? Does this particular feminist thinker connect to your life? Does it make you more aware of yourself and your world? Do you believe that your individual deserves to be better known? Requirements Minimum of four full pages; 1 inch margins, double-spaced and 12 pt font in New Times Roman Minimum: four credible research sources from library MLA in-text citations and works cited appropriately for print and web sources Spell checked and use of correct grammar Appropriate library databases: American Women’s History Online; Biography In Context, and Credo Reference: suggested sites in Credo are: Encyclopedia of Women Reformers, Encyclopedia of Women’s Autobiography, and Philosophy. Grading Rubric Content & Development 50 % Poor Quadrants are incomplete. Major points are not clear and/or persuasive. Fair Quadrant is not comprehensive and /or persuasive. Major points are addressed, but not well supported. Research is inadequate or does not address course concepts. Content is inconsistent with regard to purpose and clarity of thought. Good Quadrant is comprehensive, accurate, and persuasive. Major points are stated clearly and are well supported. Research is adequate, timely and addresses course concepts. Content and purpose of the writing are clear. Organization & Structure 20 % Poor Organization and structure detract from the message of the writer. Paragraph is disjointed and lack transition of thoughts. Fair Structure of the paragraph is not easy to follow. Paragraph transitions need improvement. Good Structure of the paragraph is clear and easy to follow. Format 10 % Poor Paper lacks many elements of correct formatting. -Paragraphs inadequate/excessive in length. Fair Paper follows most guidelines. Paper is over/ under word length. Good Paper follows designated guidelines. Paper is the appropriate length as described for the assignment. Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling 20 % Poor Paper contains numerous grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors. Language uses jargon or conversational tone. Fair Paper contains few grammatical, punctuation and spelling errors. Language lacks clarity or includes the use of some jargon or conversational tone. Good Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed; spelling is correct. Language is clear and precise; sentences display consistently strong, varied structure.